Today's Verse - 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

—1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

Where does your heart live? That's what these verses remind us to ask ourselves. They challenge us to notice where we spend the most time and what we focus on most in our hearts. Is there a constant awareness in our lives that God is present? Is he the unseen but always present companion in all our ups and downs? Or is God with us when it is convenient and gone when things are busy, or you feel that everything is going well? Joy comes from knowing we are never alone. Prayer is the ongoing conversation we have, spirit to Spirit, child to Abba, human with God. Thanksgiving and joy are great reminders that we have been lavishly blessed, regardless of what our temporary outward circumstances suggest. Being joyful, praying continually, and giving thanks in all situations is God's will for us. Why? Because practicing these three things orients us away from the momentary challenges that don't compare to the glory that he in us with Jesus (Romans 8:18-19).

My Prayer...

Precious and Righteous Father, thank you for being with me, always. Please, dear Abba, use the Spirit to nourish in me a deeper appreciation and a more profound awareness of your presence. May my life reflect the joy you have given me by saving me through your grace. And may my heart always give thanks for my home with you in anticipation of the day when that home is fully realized. Through the name of Jesus, my Savior and friend, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - James 5:16

Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

—James 5:16

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

To confess our sins means we do two things with our sins:

1. We recognize sin for what it is in God's eyes.
2. We get rid of our secrets and are honest with another Christian about our weaknesses, vulnerabilities, failures, then have them pray for us to overcome those sins.

James' language is powerful. He mentions that this confession doesn't just bring forgiveness, it brings healing. So, let's confess our sins to each other, and pray for each other, so we can bring healing to relationships, the family of God, and be a demonstration of reconciliation and healing to the world.

My Prayer...

Holy Father, I have sinned. I now confess my own personal sins of the following things: ____________. I ask for your forgiveness and for your Spirit to strengthen me to overcome temptation as I pursue Jesus with all my heart. I want to live for you and not let my sin, any sin, entangle me and draw me away from you. Through the mighty name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.

Today's Verse - Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

—Philippians 4:6-7

Thoughts on Today's Verse...

God wants to hear our prayers. But to keep them from becoming too self-focused, God wants us always to remember to give thanks (Philippians 4:6). It is so easy for us to turn prayer into a request line. We are the ones who are left bereft when thanksgiving and praise are robbed from our prayers. Without praise, our hearts grow dim because all we think about is our problems, and prayer becomes a wish list of stuff we selfishly want, treating God as our heavenly Santa Claus rather than the Father who sacrificed everything to make us his children!

My Prayer...

Gracious God, I have so many reasons to praise you. In the face of trial and hardship, I have your promises to reawaken my hope through your presence in my life and the power of the Holy Spirit. In the moment of victory, I have you to thank for my abilities and the power to accomplish things for your glory. In my boredom with the routine, I can find great joy in your surprises. Thank you, God, for being so great and yet so lovingly present and attentive to my needs. In Jesus' name, I thank and praise you. Amen.

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.